Success Stories
The Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program is making a difference in the lives of real people. Read below and learn how the program has helped Indiana residents.
Senior Discovers You Are Never Too Old to Learn
2024-01-08
At 83, Karen Sechrist (left) learned how to cook with NEP Advisor Brenda Moster. Her husband did all of the cooking before he passed, but after a few instructions from Brenda, she wanted to cook without any help.
CWC’s Journey From Helplessness to Hope Leads to Award, Community Recognition
2024-07-12
When CWC Annie Eakin listens to the comments about her service to Monroe County, she experiences a disconnect: "'The person who does all of that deserves that award, but that's not me. That can't be me.'"
It's a fitting twist in the story of how Annie has carved out her own space in the world of health equity and social justice.
Annie, our state grant specialist and the CWC who serves Lawrence, Monroe, and Brown counties, was presented with the 2023 Haines Turner Peacemaker Award by the Community Justice and Mediation Center in Bloomington. Since then, she has presented to national conferences about the progress the residents in Monroe County are making in the public health arena and her role in making health equity a reality.
CWC, Jennings Co. Residents Fill Little Pantries with “Blessings”
2024-07-12
In Jennings County, neighbors are partnering with the Food Security Coalition, Community Foundation, and Community Wellness Coordinator Jeff Walker to build and install "Blessing Boxes" around their county. It's their way of making sure their neighbors don't go hungry.
Student Finds Purpose, Community in Class
2024-07-14
Nutrition Education Program Advisor Mar Lopez creates a sense of community in every class by making a class group and texting encouraging messages, reminders, and tips. Her students also use the platform to announce any special deals they spot, offer rides to the grocery store, and share recipes.
For one of her participants, that community provided more than recipes. It was a lifeline that helped to ease her loneliness and pull her out of her depression.
Mom Pushes Past Barriers to Improve Health
2025-01-21
Mom suffering from social anxiety and PTSD walks 4.5 miles one way every week to learn how to cook, manage the family's food resources, and provide a better path for her family.
"Even in the cold, I will be there. I really need this."
For the Love of Lentils (and Healthy Hearts!)
2025-02-05
Everyone goes to the grocery store hoping for a good deal. Few expect to be handled free food, recipes, and vouchers for groceries.
But that's exactly what happened when NEP partnered with the Knox County Health Department and Save A Lot to introduce shoppers to a less popular but power-packed legume!
Getting Fit in Greene County
2025-02-14
Residents in Greene County are redefining their destinies.
Thanks to a partnership between Community Wellness Coordinator Gabrielle Fritz, Greene County HHS Educator D'Lee Rush, Greene County Health Department, and the Owen Valley YMCA, participants are discovering new ways to improve their diets and add more movement to their day.
“It is very uplifting to see the encouragement from this group to form healthy habits,” Gabrielle said. “I love seeing people excited to get physically active.”
s proving to be a great example of public health agencies collaborating to enhance their community.
Community Unites to Build Award-Winning Park
2025-04-17
After a week of rain, the sun came out for the grand opening of the award-winning J. Long Memorial Second Street Park. For the residents of Connersville, it was a day to celebrate the legacy of Joel Long, a caring community leader, the power of unity and the determination of Community Wellness Coordinator Becky Marvel.
Seniors Discover a Passion for Quesadillas and Cardio Drumming
2025-05-05
When seniors in Lapel, Ind., signed up for NEP Advisor Beth Scholer’s Eat Smart Live Strong class at the Anderson Public Library’s Lapel Branch, they had no idea of what they were getting into. But they soon learned to love quesadillas with black bean and corn salsa and cardio drumming!